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Bryant Cleared for
Takeoff
Wed, Dec 01, 1999
LOS ANGELES (Wednesday, December 01, 1999) -
Kobe Bryant, who hasn't played this season because of
a broken hand, received medical clearance Tuesday to
return to action for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bryant, who broke his right hand Oct. 13 in the first
preseason game, has been limited to shooting and
dribbling drills because of the injury.
Team doctors who examined Bryant's hand Tuesday
found that the broken bone had completely healed, said
Lakers spokesman John Black. A cast was removed from Bryant's hand about a
month ago.
"It's now a coaching issue by Phil Jackson on how many practices they want him
to play before putting him in a game," Black said.
The stage is set for Bryant's return in front of a home crowd. The Lakers play
Golden State on Wednesday at the Staples Center, the first of four straight home
games in a seven-day stretch.
Bryant averaged 19.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists last season. He is a
fourth-year pro who began his NBA career straight out of high school. |
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